Policies + Disclosures

Consequences

VI. Consequences

In determining the consequences to be imposed, the Hearing Officer or Conduct Board may take into account any aggravating factors, such as any past misconduct by the student, any failure of the student to comply fully with previous consequences, the actual and potential harm caused by the violation, the degree of intent and motivation of the student in committing the violation, and the severity and pervasiveness of the conduct that constituted the violation; and any mitigating factors, such as sincere acceptance by the student of responsibility for the student’s misconduct, steps undertaken voluntarily to remedy the harm caused by that misconduct, and evidence of positive growth and learning by the student upon reflection of that misconduct.

Impairment resulting from the voluntary use of alcohol or drugs (other than as medically necessary) will be considered an aggravating, and not a mitigating, factor.

One or more of the following consequences may be imposed when a student has been found to have violated the Code:

Formal warning – Written notice that further or other misconduct may result in more serious consequences.

Probation – A specified period during which
(i) further or other misconduct will result in more serious consequences,
(ii) the student may not hold any leadership positions (for example, orientation leader, resident assistant, Student Alliance member, student club officer, or sports team captain) or participate in RISD-sponsored social or recreational events and activities (for example, Artists Ball), and
(iii) any other appropriate conditions or restrictions may be imposed.

Suspension – The separation of the student from RISD for a specified period of time, at the end of which the student may petition for readmission. During the specified period, the student may not enroll in RISD classes, may not participate in any RISD-sponsored events and activities, will be denied all other privileges normally afforded students, must vacate the campus by a specified time, and may not reenter the campus without the written permission of the Dean of Student Affairs. The student may also be required to fulfill additional specified conditions before readmission will be granted. A suspension may be noted on the student’s transcript until such time, if any, as the student is readmitted.

Expulsion – The permanent separation of the student from RISD, without possibility of readmission. A student who has been expelled may not enroll in RISD classes, may not participate in any RISD-sponsored events and activities, will be denied all other privileges normally afforded students, must vacate the campus by a specified time, and may not reenter the campus without the written permission of the Dean of Student Affairs. An expulsion will be noted permanently on a student’s transcript.

Community service/work assignment – A requirement that the student complete specified service to RISD or the outside community within a specified time.

Restitution/fines – A requirement that the student compensate those harmed by the student’s actions and/or pay RISD a specified fine intended to deter future such misconduct.

Modification or loss of housing privileges – The modification or revocation of a student’s privileges to live in and/or visit RISD housing facilities and/or the relocation of a student’s on-campus housing, either temporarily or permanently. A student subject to such modification, revocation, or relocation will not be entitled to a refund of housing charges.

Other consequences or restrictions – Any other consequences, restrictions, or conditions deemed appropriate under the circumstances of the student’s misconduct, such as required letters of apology or reflection statements, mandatory participation in relevant programs or evaluations, no-contact or no-entry requirements, loss of specified privileges, registration holds or restrictions, revocation of a degree, and/or, to the extent permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, notification to the student’s parents or others.

The implementation of any such consequences that have been imposed may be deferred during further good behavior. Any such deferral will be lifted, and the deferred consequences implemented, automatically upon any further similar misconduct or other, serious misconduct by the student.